You of all people have predicted the dangers and sounded the alarm early and consistently. Why assure the siphoning of votes from Joe in support of a certain loss by Phillips?
This is the wrong question and the wrong debate. Progressives keep searching for the perfect candidate. All that stuff, with get out the vote, is great. The missing element is using campaigns of hate anger and fear (CHAF) to secure the win. Progressives don't want to get their hands dirty. They don't like political debate to include this swill. And swill it is. But the magarats and their predecessors use it with practiced skill. The best way to rid this from our political discourse is to meet it in kind, nullify it, and grab those last 15 points. There is so much to hate about the magarats. But this kind of mind bending requires repeated applications of this messaging. We can not leave this political sword lying on the ground. Not in this battle.
Phillips is not running as a 3rd party candidate. He is running in the primaries. He will likely lose, but he will give the press something to report on from the Democrats next Spring, rather than just covering Trump’s March through the Republican primaries. Phillips won’t be on the ballot in November. And who knows, if Phillips does well in New Hampshire and a few other states, even if he does not win, Biden may decide to retire. It sounds far fetched, but it happened in 1968. Rep. Phillips candidacy is not a threat for the general election against Trump.
In my mind, the biggest problem with his candidacy is that, as long as he's in the running, he'll be attacking Biden, it's part of the process. So there will be two people going after Joe on a daily basis, Phillips and Trump, which the media will amplify. Even if that's the only reason to oppose his candidacy, there literally is no reason to support it, not in this election cycle. Still don't understand why Steve doesn't get that. I'm still giving him the benefit of the doubt, just because his anti-Trump rhetoric has been so passionate and eloquent for years. Maybe he's just making a huge, but honest, mistake. I don't know.
I think Dean Phillips is being courageous. He is shining a light on the now-proven FACT that Trump will beat Biden in key states.
It has been clear for the past year that loyal Dems do not want to be “forced” into supporting a ticket that will be DOA. Biden’s weaknesses (as a candidate) have been evident for at least a year. Let’s not even bring up never-a-ticket-enhancer Kamala.
Clearly we live in a time when accomplishments are NOT what voters are voting for. They are not voting to thank Biden for what he has done since 2020. They are looking to a future.
We need a ticket with competent, non-shaky, younger candidates who can read the vital signs of the electorate.
Nobody will win on a Trump-bashing platform. The issue has metastasized beyond DJT. He is now the handmaiden of the Christo-Fascist movement.
Democrats inside the Beltway are deaf and dumb right now.
Thank you Dean Phillips... I don’t think he should be the new candidate but his courage in stepping up is a symbol for what we need.
If you think Dean Phillips, a congressman nobody's heard of, will outperform the President of the United States against Trump, you're just as magic-wand-thinking fantasy-brainwashed as the Dem insiders you despise.
Biden is not an ideal standard-bearer. He is old, and has presided over inflation. But he is our president and the one man standing in the way of fascism. Not "Dean Phillips", or some fill-in-the-blank young savior. We will win or lose with him.
Get that through your head, or get out of the way.
And Steve, I'm ashamed of you and for you.
The paycheck, and the ego-boost, are not worth it.
He is shining a light on the now-proven FACT that Trump will beat Biden in key states.
In all due respect, Meryl, I find your comment above illogical. Something that has not yet happened cannot be defined as a fact. Polls may suggest that Trump will beat Biden in key states, but as of now, this is not a fact.
Sorry, but I watched what happened in 2016. I was sure that Hilary was going to carry the torch, but 10 days before the Election, James Comey decided to investigate Hilary for a private use of emails. I was shocked by this, but it changed a lot of people who might have voted for her. As far as I’m concerned she should have won the election. It had nothing to do with polls.
That may have contributed, but it was still clear that the polls had her winning comfortably right up to the election. Which may be why so many decided to stay home or vote for Stein or what’s his name or write in the name of their pet.
Hopefully people will not make that mistake again.
Pollsters call landlines for the most part. The only ones left with those are older folks who trend right. And when they do call cell phones, 99% of us ignore a non-recognizable number. Those who answer are a certain type (like my parents in their 90s) and I'm guessing not young. I'm 64 and have never been called or approached in any way to participate in an election poll, despite being a registered voter since age 18. They were wrong in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. But now all of a sudden dems are freaking out over this. Let's see what happens after Trumps GA trial is televised and/or he's convicted in DC.
Well said; I actually partially agree with you. About polls. However, somebody had to shake up the Democrats from their torpor. I supported Biden and will vote for him. I believe that his questionable advisors need to listen to people and not just themselves and other inside the Beltway whisperers. I think that they need to be shaken from their complacency. I do not criticize Biden’s achievements nor his decency. I think they are delusional if they believe he can win on those past merits. RFK needs to go, not credible short term alternative candidates who might instill some feistiness and liveliness and freshness into the inevitable Biden run. I firmly believe Kamala is a detriment to the ticket. Replace her and Biden’s chances will rise. I do not disparage her; she is simply an unappealing CANDIDATE. Talented and bright it does not connect well with the electorate.
There are two cases to be made for Biden in a Biden-Trump election
1) pro Biden: commitment to democracy, commitment to controlling “wealth elites” (see “letters to an american” today), his record as president.
2) anti Trump. Im not a fan of negative campaigning but trumps revenge plans, anti-democracy/authoritari9ajn ideas, lack of character and declining mental acuity are legitimate issues. there’s plenty of verbal and written evidence of all this, including his current legal plights that are all out in the open. This is not something Biden can do in detail himself, though he can and should reiterate a few cogent points. Biden surrogates and organizations like CREW and the Lincoln Project and some pro-biden super-pacs will have to lead on this. This must be backed up by a effective messaging strategy for House and Senate as well- including raising the issue of disqualification under amendment 14s3 for those members who supported or gave aid and comfort to extra-judicial efforts to steal the election.
To the extent Dean Phillips candidacy helps with that dialog it might be helpful in raising the conversation. But anyone who thinks some perfect experienced and wise and younger candidate is waiting in they wings needs a reality check. People who are not participating in putting out one of they two messages above need the same really check.
That would only be relevant in the Primary, right ? The problem would be if Phillips were to denigrate Biden, beat him up in the Primary 🤷♀️ Currently he speaks highly of Biden. He seems quite likable, sincere but not much political/governmental knowledge 🤷♀️Cannot hurt to have a back-up Democratic choice 🤷♀️
I think you are absolutely right, and I am frightened and devastated. I’m 71, a retired clinical psychologist, and Jewish. I fear for my children. It’s still so difficult to wrap my head around this.😞
I'm 77, retired in-home crisis intervention therapist - and now teach psychology part-time. My children are Jewish - I also fear for my children. My son is beginning to understand - he teaches at a college. My daughter works from home - and does not quite see the danger yet.
And let us all not forget his public statement of if reelected "I will be your retribution." (Speaking to a crowd of MAGA supporters). Also he WILL open the pardon flood gates and pardon/release as many people as possible that were convicted and sent to prison for the insurrection on January 6. He is on the record as vowing to do that. We need to end this mockery of Democracy as soon as we can at the Ballot Box.
Anthony YES YES put him away sooner than later..theif liar,tax evasion NYC hates him always known as slum lord from Brooklyn and NYC society loathed him
Two reasons: shitty (sorry) communications from WH and Dem spokespeople , except Eric Swallwell and a few others. The other is the impact in social media of outside interference and spreading conspiracy/lies
I think you nailed the reasons. 1. What are his communications professionals doing? All I hear is silence. Meanwhile, Biden has accomplished more than any president for a long time. 2. And it would appear they need a well-staffed Social Media Watchdog Department and I'm guessing they don't have even one dog.
Do you think the NYtimes is on Biden’s side or the Washington Post? They are the ones, along with other media, that are not doing their jobs., they are failing us. Who are the guests on Sunday talk shows? Oh and Fox News doesn’t ever mention Biden’s achievements.
We can be sure that Putin knows he can win his savage war if DJT wins.
Cyber warfare: we are at war already. This is an easy way for Putin to win. MAGA is also using every tactic they have to infiltrate the social media algorithms that will affect voters -and it seems to be working. Dems need to step up their messaging a lot and soon!
Yes, Lisa. Exactly what we are experiencing. It is so awfully frustrating to watch the Dems shoot themselves repeatedly with passive, tepid messaging. Whatever happened to the brains and whizzes that ran Barack Obama’s campaigns?? I don’t know who or what are working for Biden, but they are invisible and inaudible.
I don't think people understand social media algorithms, cyber warfare, trolls...
Their attention is what is on the market. Also, where are all of the movie stars, great singers, etc. in raising their voices? People listen to their icons. Thanks.
You are spot on. I’m not on social media except if you consider substacks social media. As a Canadian, I spend hard earned retirement money following 4 American substacks, and each one is worth its weight in gold. I do it because I care about my neighbors to the south, and I have a need to honor my Irish ancestors whose first stop was Canada and their progeny from whom I descend.
Thanks, Carole. I have many dear friends in Canada (Calgary and Vancouver) who share your concerns about the goings-on down here. As they remind me, “When the US catches a cold, Canada sneezes.” I share The Warning with a few of them; they appreciate reading informed opinions that are not the stuff of cable news. I wish that people in the States were as aware of Canadian life, economy, politics, etc as you all are of our poopy sandbox.
If you guys (Americans) hadn't defunded public education and dumbed down your population beginning all those decades ago and if you hadn't thrust your version of captialism-run-amok on to the global economy, you wouldn't have such a poor, unequal populace with no critical-thinking skills, who're vomiting this atrocity on to the First World. And spreading it to the likes of my ex-blue-beret (UN Peacekeeper) country where I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised. FFS. I won't live to see how this resolves but in a few generations, I expect the pendulum will swing back. I don't always feel this way but today I do. It's been a bad news-day. From Iran to the new speaker, to everything else, it's been a day. argh.
Dear FTM: you nailed it. Why are people wondering about the stupidity of evidently more and more Americans? Public education has been on the downswing since St Ronald Reagan .... as well as the weakening of the historic “separation of church and state.” The US is becoming a White Christo-fascist nation.
When will these bigots tear down the Statue of Liberty??
Talk about “retribution?!!?” They need to wreak vengeance for the removal of Confederate heroes. What better symbol than our Statue of Liberty?
Scary indeed. Polls are often wrong and I do not pay attention to them. What we must do is vote BLUE...and contribute to the right candidates’ campaigns. Any other suggestions Steve?
I am not Steve, but I suggest Dems regroup loudly and strongly around a ticket that can win. Of course we have to vote. We cannot win with a ticket that will drive significant groups of voters to abstain
Agreed Meryl...would you like to spell that out though a bit more clearly...does that ticket include Biden and Harris...? What are you thinking? I have to say, I’m not overly impressed with Dean Phillips....so far, anyway.
The polls are garbage...and have been for at least 7-8 years. They are not accurately reflecting where the American public is, on either side. Polls are like Yelp reviews or online retail comments on products now. No one comments who does not have a grudge or grievance. People go out of their way to bitch and complain but never to compliment.
I would like to ask this question: WHAT is it that President Biden has so done wrong to deserve this kind of negative polling against a twice impeached, pussy grabbing, judge confirmed rapist, 4 times indicted in four different jurisdictions, 91 count felony charged, race baiting, insurrection inspiring, constitution violating, peaceful transfer of power blocking, illiberal, anti-democratic, unAmerican MISCREANT????
Answer: NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Donald Trump is a CELEBRITY. Always has been. Even when he misbehaves, has done deplorably awful things, and even as a criminal defendant in several different trials, he grabs ALL the HEADLINES. WHY??? The F’ing MEDIA LOVES HIS FAT, UGLY, WHITE ASS. HE KEEPS PEOPLE GLUED TO THEIR TVs and DEVICES. That’s why. He GOBBLES UP ALL THE FRIGGING OXYGEN. ALL THE TIME. Even when he’s wrong, awful, abhorrent or embarrassing.
Hey Steve, you have worked either WITH or as a CONSULTANT/COMMENTATOR FOR the media FOR YEARS. Why not drop this waste of energy and money with Phillips, (who is polling lower than COVID and head lice) and EDUCATE the damn media of how they more than anyone are feeding the flames of fascism with their wall to wall coverage of the fat, ugly, orange dictator? They created this Frankenstein’s monster over the last 4 decades, especially the last decade which has been the most dangerous.
It is time for this monster to be forced into the arctic wilderness, banned from all of humanity, and in its exile, forced to ignite itself and die on its own funeral pyre, extinguishing its inherent evil forever. The question now is, is the media going to do its damn JOB and chase the monster it created into oblivion or just keep “reporting” to keep everyone tuned in because their ratings are so much more important than the republic itself? The media better get a goddamn grip.
Apologies for all the caps, shouting and cursing but I am so frustrated. Let’s roll up our sleeves and do some PRODUCTIVE WORK instead of shooting ourselves in the foot! The only person I know who has actually ALREADY BEATEN Donald Trump is JOSEPH R. BIDEN. NO ONE ELSE. Why can’t he do it again? It’s absurd to even discuss anything else. Not to mention he has done an amazing job. Time for political tacticians who care (like yourself) and the media to start educating the public on what a great job he’s done, don’t you think?
We are either part of the solution or part of the problem. Time to quit talking and discussing. Time to get busy.
Jody, you ask: “WHAT is it that President Biden has so done wrong to deserve this kind of negative polling?” It’s not that President Biden has done anything wrong. He has accomplished a lot but many people can’t see it because they worry about day to day expenses and inflation along with his age. He’ll be 82 in 2024 and if elected 86 at the end of his term. Many people start to lose their edge in that time frame. Some don’t but many do. And people are not overly confident with VP Harris. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t vote for TFG if you offered me a million dollars and barring any major changes if Joe Biden is the Dem candidate he gets my vote in a heartbeat. I admire him and like the job that he’s done. I’m just sharing the concerns of my Democratic friends and colleagues. Many are concerned. Young people and new voters are going to have a decent sized voting block in 2024 and they are not overly enthused about voting for someone in their 80’s. Personally, I would love to see a ticket with Gavin Newsom at the top of it.
I love Newsom too. But he will not run against Biden. The ticket is BIDEN/HARRIS. This is not 1968. This is not time for the party to fracture. This is not Vietnam. Biden is ostensibly the same age as Trump. And Trump’s faculties have been very impaired as of late. He’s gaffing and screwing up, mixing key stuff up all the time. But all we keep hearing is Biden is old. Biden is old, Biden is too old. Biden in 2023 is roughly the same age as Reagan was in 1983, when you factor in that the average American life expectancy was 73 in 1983 when Reagan was preparing to run for re-election, with abysmal polling in the high 30’s and low 40’s to boot. The average American life expectancy is almost 79 right now, Biden is 80. This media is making far too much of this. Biden and Trump are practically the same age. Why does Trump get a pass? I realize I am preaching to the choir saying this to you, but I feel it is our duty to educate our fellow democrats and like minded voters to line up and get ready to support our candidate no matter what. Also, the overturning of Roe has not been litigated in a Presidential Election yet. That will happen next year. I am confident that when the women of this country, and all of us men who love those women make our voices heard, we could run FDR’s dog’s corpse and we should still be able to win. We gotta show up. There are so many more of US. We need to learn how it is that the Republicans dominate our Supreme Court, our legislative process, our lives, while they are the VAST MINORITY in this country. We are truly living under minority tyranny at this point. But Democrats always fall in love. And Republicans always fall in line.
Oh wow, thank you Tracy. That’s very flattering and so kind of you to say. I have thought about it! Maybe the time has come! Thx for the encouragement.
I think if Joe Biden had replaced Jay Powell he would be getting more credit for a good economy. The steady interest rate increases have hurt everyone except the rich and the big banks. When everyday people can’t buy a new car or purchase a home because of high interest rates and corporate greed it’s bad news for the sitting President. I will be voting for Democrats in every office because I have seen the dangers Republicans pose to our Democracy.
I will never quit Steve’s platform. I don’t think he’s a traitor. He was the voice of reason time and time again. I understand his thoughts and concerns but I think he is wrong this time. I intend to stay to keep the dialogue going with him and will continue to persuade him. We need him and lots of other former Republicans. I know so many ordinary people who are former Republicans, just like Steve, Nicolle Wallace, David Jolly, Stuart Stevens, Tim Miller, Joe Scarborough and so many others. They are persuadable and will be the difference in next year’s election, we need every vote we can get and keeping the dialogue open with Steve is important. I still believe he will be proven wrong, sooner than later, Biden will bounce back and Phillips will drop out before Christmas.
I love Joyce and all the other #Sisters in Law. I am in awe of Heather Cox Richardson. But when Steve gets going about protecting democracy from fascist authoritarians and Christian nationalists, I am inspired to keep fighting and working to elect Joe Biden and every other Democrat.
Well last week he wrote a thoughtful follow up to us here regarding the Phillips campaign announcement and said to never fear that he will not use his substack to promote Phillips’s candidacy
I did read what he wrote last week and he did make that statement. This I decided to stay. But I will take what he says with many grains of salt. And I will be watching.
I won’t unsubscribe. Unless I can’t afford the $10 a month subscription. Never? Never again? I’m confused. Semantics. Steve is an expert. But experts often get blindsided by new developments that are asymmetrical and not easily measured by regular means of assessment. The other thing no one reported in those ridiculous hair on fire stories about the silly NYT/Siema poll is that when poll respondents in all of those swing states were asked do you support a generic Democrat over Donald Trump, the affirmative answer for Democrat won by EIGHT POINTS. Let’s not let the media suck us back into this bedwetting, hair pulling, nail biting nonsense. Let’s get behind our candidate and win this thing for the entire WORLD, not just our country.
You do realize, Steve, that those horrendous numbers in the swing states are not going to improve with a Dean Phillips primary, yes? How can you not see this? I am still stunned that you've chosen to run the Phillips campaign. Should Biden lose a year from now, you do know that you will go down in history as having done the Ralph Nader/Jill Stein poison pill thing, yes? I'm begging you, please, before my subscription lapses a month from now (NOT to be renewed), do the right thing here, change course, get your mind right (Cool Hand Luke style), and get back on the Biden bandwagon. It is the ONLY way we have to stave off a Trump victory in '24. You KNOW that . . . or you should not be in the campaign business at all. Please, Steve. Do not be an instrument in ensuring a second term for Donald Trump. We are BEGGING. . . .
@LindyLi on Twitter/X posted on Friday the simple observation that Tuberville’s obstruction of appointments appears to be part one of a slow-motion military coup.
I bet this made your day Steve. Bet you really liked it that it came for The NY Times. First of all I don't believe the polls right now. I am sure there are those that are not being truthful.Second of all what else can we expect with strategists like you & others constantly talking about Biden's age. Pretty much stoking the divide. Biden has been a good President, economy is good and I'll do any and everything I can to make sure he wins again.
Anyone who doesn't see what Biden has done and is doing for this county is ignorant. Biden is a master of diplomacy and legislation. He is rapidly reversing triple-down economics. He is surrounded by a team with the highest qualifications and experience. Unite for Biden!
I expect the polls to be skewed , and strongly suspect Phillips to be prop ploy a long shot maneuver , bowing out gracefully , and made a chess move for positioning.
Biden knows this , maybe even Steve...it will play out for his benefit, a boomerang move. We’ll see.
Meantime, stats remain good, some new programs inserted which are ‘in the plan’. With guilty x 3-4 and a finale play...about July, Biden - not only wise, but calculating , confident in his tight team...this is rolling out slow but steady - like a go down in history election win , BY THE PEOPLE, as Biden has underscored . We got his back , and are his people.
There’s a lot of people , many within these ranks , doing miracle work and playing cool hand Luke.
All I can have is hope ...the stakes everyone knows.
Lisa! You did that in three lines. Well done. As Jody says, Trump gets all the coverage. It would be nice if the Dems countered with some intelligent, punchy communications initiative before everyone forgets who they are. Bob
On the eve of Johnson coming into the center stage, Steve Schmidt pulled out Dean Phillips to compensate for the fear it portends. I am not qualified to say whether it will all be a storm in a teacup in the end. But Mike Johnson presiding this pivotal moment during a global crisis will long be remembered with great trepidation. He lacks the real intellectual capacity proven by his ideological backing of Trump. His smooth youthful appeal definitely strikes fear into the hearts of seasoned political opponents for sure. At this moment United States cannot take the side of any other but for the victory of Israel and Ukraine. No one at this hour can walk that delicate line except for the old hand Biden. As Palestinians clamor to be spared and global extremism threatened to spill over. Like Mike Johnson, Dean Phillips has the problem of young and pretty face but not much else for now. In spite of Putin’s great dirty scheme with North Korea, Iran and Chinese explosives and drones, Russia is in a perilous state of inching closer to its demise. Mike Johnson via Trumpism will mightily try to reverse that for sure. But he will first have to get pass old Joe Biden, which is not going to happen. Election 2024 will be worth the fight so long as Joe Biden is breathing and speaking. We like what we see in his heart and his head. Dean Phillips if he survives this moment who knows. It will be for the next generation to decide whether this country has done right by them when they look back at this hour.
Love your comments. One would think that with what we went through with him before and his blatant admission of what he will do that President Biden would be way ahead.
I firmly believe the only thing that will save the country is the obituary of the wannabe dictator. Since MAGA is a cult of personality, the disappearance of the leader takes the power out of the cult. Although a new religion was built by the apostles of a messiah, I don't think MAGA apostles have what it takes to deify DT.
You of all people have predicted the dangers and sounded the alarm early and consistently. Why assure the siphoning of votes from Joe in support of a certain loss by Phillips?
Yes, we need strong campaign strategists who fight MAGA (Schmidt) to campaign for Biden!
BRAVA Lisa ..Steve is good at
Fighting MAGA …I’m BIDEN
100% … BIDEN has saved our democracy…BIDEN is my 2024
Choice for president,Marsha
Yes! 💙
Janice your support matters ty ..bless you
Gratefully marsha
Just subscribed to Rick Wilson and the article he wrote supporting BIDEN
Was what I always hoped
Steve would have done
For anyone who is praying
Biden will be re-elected
2024 and all he’s done for America it’s outstanding!
Zach I’m grateful you read Rick Wilson’s writing about Biden
I’m thrilled to have just become a
Paid subscriber❤️ BIDEN 2024:)
Ken & Co below.
This is the wrong question and the wrong debate. Progressives keep searching for the perfect candidate. All that stuff, with get out the vote, is great. The missing element is using campaigns of hate anger and fear (CHAF) to secure the win. Progressives don't want to get their hands dirty. They don't like political debate to include this swill. And swill it is. But the magarats and their predecessors use it with practiced skill. The best way to rid this from our political discourse is to meet it in kind, nullify it, and grab those last 15 points. There is so much to hate about the magarats. But this kind of mind bending requires repeated applications of this messaging. We can not leave this political sword lying on the ground. Not in this battle.
Fight fire with fire.
Phillips is not running as a 3rd party candidate. He is running in the primaries. He will likely lose, but he will give the press something to report on from the Democrats next Spring, rather than just covering Trump’s March through the Republican primaries. Phillips won’t be on the ballot in November. And who knows, if Phillips does well in New Hampshire and a few other states, even if he does not win, Biden may decide to retire. It sounds far fetched, but it happened in 1968. Rep. Phillips candidacy is not a threat for the general election against Trump.
In my mind, the biggest problem with his candidacy is that, as long as he's in the running, he'll be attacking Biden, it's part of the process. So there will be two people going after Joe on a daily basis, Phillips and Trump, which the media will amplify. Even if that's the only reason to oppose his candidacy, there literally is no reason to support it, not in this election cycle. Still don't understand why Steve doesn't get that. I'm still giving him the benefit of the doubt, just because his anti-Trump rhetoric has been so passionate and eloquent for years. Maybe he's just making a huge, but honest, mistake. I don't know.
I think Dean Phillips is being courageous. He is shining a light on the now-proven FACT that Trump will beat Biden in key states.
It has been clear for the past year that loyal Dems do not want to be “forced” into supporting a ticket that will be DOA. Biden’s weaknesses (as a candidate) have been evident for at least a year. Let’s not even bring up never-a-ticket-enhancer Kamala.
Clearly we live in a time when accomplishments are NOT what voters are voting for. They are not voting to thank Biden for what he has done since 2020. They are looking to a future.
We need a ticket with competent, non-shaky, younger candidates who can read the vital signs of the electorate.
Nobody will win on a Trump-bashing platform. The issue has metastasized beyond DJT. He is now the handmaiden of the Christo-Fascist movement.
Democrats inside the Beltway are deaf and dumb right now.
Thank you Dean Phillips... I don’t think he should be the new candidate but his courage in stepping up is a symbol for what we need.
If you think Dean Phillips, a congressman nobody's heard of, will outperform the President of the United States against Trump, you're just as magic-wand-thinking fantasy-brainwashed as the Dem insiders you despise.
Biden is not an ideal standard-bearer. He is old, and has presided over inflation. But he is our president and the one man standing in the way of fascism. Not "Dean Phillips", or some fill-in-the-blank young savior. We will win or lose with him.
Get that through your head, or get out of the way.
And Steve, I'm ashamed of you and for you.
The paycheck, and the ego-boost, are not worth it.
David Dickson thank you .. I will win or lose with supporting my President
Biden he’s got my vote 100%,…Biden can beat Trump for sure and my grandkids will remember
This terror Blessings marsha
Barbara R …gratefully heartfelt
Thank You..Bless You for being
So very kind & gracious🌹Marsha
Polls a year out are NOT "now-proven FACTS" lol.
He is shining a light on the now-proven FACT that Trump will beat Biden in key states.
In all due respect, Meryl, I find your comment above illogical. Something that has not yet happened cannot be defined as a fact. Polls may suggest that Trump will beat Biden in key states, but as of now, this is not a fact.
Sorry, but I watched what happened in 2016. I was sure that Hilary was going to carry the torch, but 10 days before the Election, James Comey decided to investigate Hilary for a private use of emails. I was shocked by this, but it changed a lot of people who might have voted for her. As far as I’m concerned she should have won the election. It had nothing to do with polls.
That may have contributed, but it was still clear that the polls had her winning comfortably right up to the election. Which may be why so many decided to stay home or vote for Stein or what’s his name or write in the name of their pet.
Hopefully people will not make that mistake again.
Pollsters call landlines for the most part. The only ones left with those are older folks who trend right. And when they do call cell phones, 99% of us ignore a non-recognizable number. Those who answer are a certain type (like my parents in their 90s) and I'm guessing not young. I'm 64 and have never been called or approached in any way to participate in an election poll, despite being a registered voter since age 18. They were wrong in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. But now all of a sudden dems are freaking out over this. Let's see what happens after Trumps GA trial is televised and/or he's convicted in DC.
Yep! Well said.
I am near your age. Prior to 2016 I was called on landline a few times. I said no and hung up. I would do the same if it happened now.
My husband also. He says, “I am not giving them my thoughts and opinions based on years of study and experience for free”.
Well said; I actually partially agree with you. About polls. However, somebody had to shake up the Democrats from their torpor. I supported Biden and will vote for him. I believe that his questionable advisors need to listen to people and not just themselves and other inside the Beltway whisperers. I think that they need to be shaken from their complacency. I do not criticize Biden’s achievements nor his decency. I think they are delusional if they believe he can win on those past merits. RFK needs to go, not credible short term alternative candidates who might instill some feistiness and liveliness and freshness into the inevitable Biden run. I firmly believe Kamala is a detriment to the ticket. Replace her and Biden’s chances will rise. I do not disparage her; she is simply an unappealing CANDIDATE. Talented and bright it does not connect well with the electorate.
“‘ Lies, damn lies, and statistics.’ And then there are polls.” is GREAT ! Thanks!
There are two cases to be made for Biden in a Biden-Trump election
1) pro Biden: commitment to democracy, commitment to controlling “wealth elites” (see “letters to an american” today), his record as president.
2) anti Trump. Im not a fan of negative campaigning but trumps revenge plans, anti-democracy/authoritari9ajn ideas, lack of character and declining mental acuity are legitimate issues. there’s plenty of verbal and written evidence of all this, including his current legal plights that are all out in the open. This is not something Biden can do in detail himself, though he can and should reiterate a few cogent points. Biden surrogates and organizations like CREW and the Lincoln Project and some pro-biden super-pacs will have to lead on this. This must be backed up by a effective messaging strategy for House and Senate as well- including raising the issue of disqualification under amendment 14s3 for those members who supported or gave aid and comfort to extra-judicial efforts to steal the election.
To the extent Dean Phillips candidacy helps with that dialog it might be helpful in raising the conversation. But anyone who thinks some perfect experienced and wise and younger candidate is waiting in they wings needs a reality check. People who are not participating in putting out one of they two messages above need the same really check.
That would only be relevant in the Primary, right ? The problem would be if Phillips were to denigrate Biden, beat him up in the Primary 🤷♀️ Currently he speaks highly of Biden. He seems quite likable, sincere but not much political/governmental knowledge 🤷♀️Cannot hurt to have a back-up Democratic choice 🤷♀️
I think you are absolutely right, and I am frightened and devastated. I’m 71, a retired clinical psychologist, and Jewish. I fear for my children. It’s still so difficult to wrap my head around this.😞
I'm 77, retired in-home crisis intervention therapist - and now teach psychology part-time. My children are Jewish - I also fear for my children. My son is beginning to understand - he teaches at a college. My daughter works from home - and does not quite see the danger yet.
We are responsible for our leaders, I am sickened that so many Americans would even consider person for president.
And let us all not forget his public statement of if reelected "I will be your retribution." (Speaking to a crowd of MAGA supporters). Also he WILL open the pardon flood gates and pardon/release as many people as possible that were convicted and sent to prison for the insurrection on January 6. He is on the record as vowing to do that. We need to end this mockery of Democracy as soon as we can at the Ballot Box.
Nuts. He's only interested in retribution on his own behalf. He's just got his sheep convinced that his cause istheirs. Wake up over there.
Anthony YES YES put him away sooner than later..theif liar,tax evasion NYC hates him always known as slum lord from Brooklyn and NYC society loathed him
Insurrectionist and thug
Hugs, Marsha
I'm scared of all this. I don't understand how it is that Biden performs so poorly in polls. He's done a great job.
Two reasons: shitty (sorry) communications from WH and Dem spokespeople , except Eric Swallwell and a few others. The other is the impact in social media of outside interference and spreading conspiracy/lies
Lets not forget jamie raskin..adam schiff
I think you nailed the reasons. 1. What are his communications professionals doing? All I hear is silence. Meanwhile, Biden has accomplished more than any president for a long time. 2. And it would appear they need a well-staffed Social Media Watchdog Department and I'm guessing they don't have even one dog.
Do you think the NYtimes is on Biden’s side or the Washington Post? They are the ones, along with other media, that are not doing their jobs., they are failing us. Who are the guests on Sunday talk shows? Oh and Fox News doesn’t ever mention Biden’s achievements.
We can be sure that Putin knows he can win his savage war if DJT wins.
Cyber warfare: we are at war already. This is an easy way for Putin to win. MAGA is also using every tactic they have to infiltrate the social media algorithms that will affect voters -and it seems to be working. Dems need to step up their messaging a lot and soon!
Yes, Lisa. Exactly what we are experiencing. It is so awfully frustrating to watch the Dems shoot themselves repeatedly with passive, tepid messaging. Whatever happened to the brains and whizzes that ran Barack Obama’s campaigns?? I don’t know who or what are working for Biden, but they are invisible and inaudible.
I don't think people understand social media algorithms, cyber warfare, trolls...
Their attention is what is on the market. Also, where are all of the movie stars, great singers, etc. in raising their voices? People listen to their icons. Thanks.
You are spot on. I’m not on social media except if you consider substacks social media. As a Canadian, I spend hard earned retirement money following 4 American substacks, and each one is worth its weight in gold. I do it because I care about my neighbors to the south, and I have a need to honor my Irish ancestors whose first stop was Canada and their progeny from whom I descend.
Thanks, Carole. I have many dear friends in Canada (Calgary and Vancouver) who share your concerns about the goings-on down here. As they remind me, “When the US catches a cold, Canada sneezes.” I share The Warning with a few of them; they appreciate reading informed opinions that are not the stuff of cable news. I wish that people in the States were as aware of Canadian life, economy, politics, etc as you all are of our poopy sandbox.
If you guys (Americans) hadn't defunded public education and dumbed down your population beginning all those decades ago and if you hadn't thrust your version of captialism-run-amok on to the global economy, you wouldn't have such a poor, unequal populace with no critical-thinking skills, who're vomiting this atrocity on to the First World. And spreading it to the likes of my ex-blue-beret (UN Peacekeeper) country where I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised. FFS. I won't live to see how this resolves but in a few generations, I expect the pendulum will swing back. I don't always feel this way but today I do. It's been a bad news-day. From Iran to the new speaker, to everything else, it's been a day. argh.
Dear FTM: you nailed it. Why are people wondering about the stupidity of evidently more and more Americans? Public education has been on the downswing since St Ronald Reagan .... as well as the weakening of the historic “separation of church and state.” The US is becoming a White Christo-fascist nation.
When will these bigots tear down the Statue of Liberty??
Talk about “retribution?!!?” They need to wreak vengeance for the removal of Confederate heroes. What better symbol than our Statue of Liberty?
Scary indeed. Polls are often wrong and I do not pay attention to them. What we must do is vote BLUE...and contribute to the right candidates’ campaigns. Any other suggestions Steve?
Yes polls are very often biased.
This polls on its face is alarming. However, the ENTIRE poll population was #3662.
Approximately 610 people per pole which means Trump averaged about 24 more votes than Biden per poll.
Hard to imagine that the small number of participants per poll could actually give an accurate representation of the entire population.
Poll not Pole🙄🙄🙄
I am not Steve, but I suggest Dems regroup loudly and strongly around a ticket that can win. Of course we have to vote. We cannot win with a ticket that will drive significant groups of voters to abstain
Agreed Meryl...would you like to spell that out though a bit more clearly...does that ticket include Biden and Harris...? What are you thinking? I have to say, I’m not overly impressed with Dean Phillips....so far, anyway.
The polls are garbage...and have been for at least 7-8 years. They are not accurately reflecting where the American public is, on either side. Polls are like Yelp reviews or online retail comments on products now. No one comments who does not have a grudge or grievance. People go out of their way to bitch and complain but never to compliment.
I would like to ask this question: WHAT is it that President Biden has so done wrong to deserve this kind of negative polling against a twice impeached, pussy grabbing, judge confirmed rapist, 4 times indicted in four different jurisdictions, 91 count felony charged, race baiting, insurrection inspiring, constitution violating, peaceful transfer of power blocking, illiberal, anti-democratic, unAmerican MISCREANT????
Answer: NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Donald Trump is a CELEBRITY. Always has been. Even when he misbehaves, has done deplorably awful things, and even as a criminal defendant in several different trials, he grabs ALL the HEADLINES. WHY??? The F’ing MEDIA LOVES HIS FAT, UGLY, WHITE ASS. HE KEEPS PEOPLE GLUED TO THEIR TVs and DEVICES. That’s why. He GOBBLES UP ALL THE FRIGGING OXYGEN. ALL THE TIME. Even when he’s wrong, awful, abhorrent or embarrassing.
Hey Steve, you have worked either WITH or as a CONSULTANT/COMMENTATOR FOR the media FOR YEARS. Why not drop this waste of energy and money with Phillips, (who is polling lower than COVID and head lice) and EDUCATE the damn media of how they more than anyone are feeding the flames of fascism with their wall to wall coverage of the fat, ugly, orange dictator? They created this Frankenstein’s monster over the last 4 decades, especially the last decade which has been the most dangerous.
It is time for this monster to be forced into the arctic wilderness, banned from all of humanity, and in its exile, forced to ignite itself and die on its own funeral pyre, extinguishing its inherent evil forever. The question now is, is the media going to do its damn JOB and chase the monster it created into oblivion or just keep “reporting” to keep everyone tuned in because their ratings are so much more important than the republic itself? The media better get a goddamn grip.
Apologies for all the caps, shouting and cursing but I am so frustrated. Let’s roll up our sleeves and do some PRODUCTIVE WORK instead of shooting ourselves in the foot! The only person I know who has actually ALREADY BEATEN Donald Trump is JOSEPH R. BIDEN. NO ONE ELSE. Why can’t he do it again? It’s absurd to even discuss anything else. Not to mention he has done an amazing job. Time for political tacticians who care (like yourself) and the media to start educating the public on what a great job he’s done, don’t you think?
We are either part of the solution or part of the problem. Time to quit talking and discussing. Time to get busy.
BIDEN/HARRIS 2024!
ENOUGH!
Jody, you ask: “WHAT is it that President Biden has so done wrong to deserve this kind of negative polling?” It’s not that President Biden has done anything wrong. He has accomplished a lot but many people can’t see it because they worry about day to day expenses and inflation along with his age. He’ll be 82 in 2024 and if elected 86 at the end of his term. Many people start to lose their edge in that time frame. Some don’t but many do. And people are not overly confident with VP Harris. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t vote for TFG if you offered me a million dollars and barring any major changes if Joe Biden is the Dem candidate he gets my vote in a heartbeat. I admire him and like the job that he’s done. I’m just sharing the concerns of my Democratic friends and colleagues. Many are concerned. Young people and new voters are going to have a decent sized voting block in 2024 and they are not overly enthused about voting for someone in their 80’s. Personally, I would love to see a ticket with Gavin Newsom at the top of it.
I love Newsom too. But he will not run against Biden. The ticket is BIDEN/HARRIS. This is not 1968. This is not time for the party to fracture. This is not Vietnam. Biden is ostensibly the same age as Trump. And Trump’s faculties have been very impaired as of late. He’s gaffing and screwing up, mixing key stuff up all the time. But all we keep hearing is Biden is old. Biden is old, Biden is too old. Biden in 2023 is roughly the same age as Reagan was in 1983, when you factor in that the average American life expectancy was 73 in 1983 when Reagan was preparing to run for re-election, with abysmal polling in the high 30’s and low 40’s to boot. The average American life expectancy is almost 79 right now, Biden is 80. This media is making far too much of this. Biden and Trump are practically the same age. Why does Trump get a pass? I realize I am preaching to the choir saying this to you, but I feel it is our duty to educate our fellow democrats and like minded voters to line up and get ready to support our candidate no matter what. Also, the overturning of Roe has not been litigated in a Presidential Election yet. That will happen next year. I am confident that when the women of this country, and all of us men who love those women make our voices heard, we could run FDR’s dog’s corpse and we should still be able to win. We gotta show up. There are so many more of US. We need to learn how it is that the Republicans dominate our Supreme Court, our legislative process, our lives, while they are the VAST MINORITY in this country. We are truly living under minority tyranny at this point. But Democrats always fall in love. And Republicans always fall in line.
Awesome writing, Jody! Maybe you should have a Substack.
Oh wow, thank you Tracy. That’s very flattering and so kind of you to say. I have thought about it! Maybe the time has come! Thx for the encouragement.
Go for it, Jody!
I think if Joe Biden had replaced Jay Powell he would be getting more credit for a good economy. The steady interest rate increases have hurt everyone except the rich and the big banks. When everyday people can’t buy a new car or purchase a home because of high interest rates and corporate greed it’s bad news for the sitting President. I will be voting for Democrats in every office because I have seen the dangers Republicans pose to our Democracy.
This is excellent. Please keep sharing your viewpoints and powerful writing far and wide!
Hear, hear!
I will never quit Steve’s platform. I don’t think he’s a traitor. He was the voice of reason time and time again. I understand his thoughts and concerns but I think he is wrong this time. I intend to stay to keep the dialogue going with him and will continue to persuade him. We need him and lots of other former Republicans. I know so many ordinary people who are former Republicans, just like Steve, Nicolle Wallace, David Jolly, Stuart Stevens, Tim Miller, Joe Scarborough and so many others. They are persuadable and will be the difference in next year’s election, we need every vote we can get and keeping the dialogue open with Steve is important. I still believe he will be proven wrong, sooner than later, Biden will bounce back and Phillips will drop out before Christmas.
I love Joyce and all the other #Sisters in Law. I am in awe of Heather Cox Richardson. But when Steve gets going about protecting democracy from fascist authoritarians and Christian nationalists, I am inspired to keep fighting and working to elect Joe Biden and every other Democrat.
Amen, Libby! I love Joyce too! But I am staying right here.
I am still here. However, I can’t say that I will never quit.
If Steve starts using his platform as a means to advertise Phillips I will be done.
If he uses it as a means to damage Biden/Harris I will be done.
Well last week he wrote a thoughtful follow up to us here regarding the Phillips campaign announcement and said to never fear that he will not use his substack to promote Phillips’s candidacy
I did read what he wrote last week and he did make that statement. This I decided to stay. But I will take what he says with many grains of salt. And I will be watching.
I won’t unsubscribe. Unless I can’t afford the $10 a month subscription. Never? Never again? I’m confused. Semantics. Steve is an expert. But experts often get blindsided by new developments that are asymmetrical and not easily measured by regular means of assessment. The other thing no one reported in those ridiculous hair on fire stories about the silly NYT/Siema poll is that when poll respondents in all of those swing states were asked do you support a generic Democrat over Donald Trump, the affirmative answer for Democrat won by EIGHT POINTS. Let’s not let the media suck us back into this bedwetting, hair pulling, nail biting nonsense. Let’s get behind our candidate and win this thing for the entire WORLD, not just our country.
Right On, Jody!! Thanks.
If you think that Steve is a "traitor", you are wrong! He is ringing the alarm loud and clear, and we had damn well listen!
You do realize, Steve, that those horrendous numbers in the swing states are not going to improve with a Dean Phillips primary, yes? How can you not see this? I am still stunned that you've chosen to run the Phillips campaign. Should Biden lose a year from now, you do know that you will go down in history as having done the Ralph Nader/Jill Stein poison pill thing, yes? I'm begging you, please, before my subscription lapses a month from now (NOT to be renewed), do the right thing here, change course, get your mind right (Cool Hand Luke style), and get back on the Biden bandwagon. It is the ONLY way we have to stave off a Trump victory in '24. You KNOW that . . . or you should not be in the campaign business at all. Please, Steve. Do not be an instrument in ensuring a second term for Donald Trump. We are BEGGING. . . .
@LindyLi on Twitter/X posted on Friday the simple observation that Tuberville’s obstruction of appointments appears to be part one of a slow-motion military coup.
I bet this made your day Steve. Bet you really liked it that it came for The NY Times. First of all I don't believe the polls right now. I am sure there are those that are not being truthful.Second of all what else can we expect with strategists like you & others constantly talking about Biden's age. Pretty much stoking the divide. Biden has been a good President, economy is good and I'll do any and everything I can to make sure he wins again.
Anyone who doesn't see what Biden has done and is doing for this county is ignorant. Biden is a master of diplomacy and legislation. He is rapidly reversing triple-down economics. He is surrounded by a team with the highest qualifications and experience. Unite for Biden!
WOW Lisa you said it all
Great Job.. we’re blessed to have Joe Biden 2024 ! Marsha
I expect the polls to be skewed , and strongly suspect Phillips to be prop ploy a long shot maneuver , bowing out gracefully , and made a chess move for positioning.
Biden knows this , maybe even Steve...it will play out for his benefit, a boomerang move. We’ll see.
Meantime, stats remain good, some new programs inserted which are ‘in the plan’. With guilty x 3-4 and a finale play...about July, Biden - not only wise, but calculating , confident in his tight team...this is rolling out slow but steady - like a go down in history election win , BY THE PEOPLE, as Biden has underscored . We got his back , and are his people.
There’s a lot of people , many within these ranks , doing miracle work and playing cool hand Luke.
All I can have is hope ...the stakes everyone knows.
💙💙VOTE ALL THE COMPLICIT OUT💙💙
Right On!! Thanks.
Lisa! You did that in three lines. Well done. As Jody says, Trump gets all the coverage. It would be nice if the Dems countered with some intelligent, punchy communications initiative before everyone forgets who they are. Bob
Thanks for chiming in Lisa! Spot on!
Claudia I’m with you thank for your supporting Biden.. personally
I don’t trust the polls…I’m proud BIDEN is My President, Marsha
On the eve of Johnson coming into the center stage, Steve Schmidt pulled out Dean Phillips to compensate for the fear it portends. I am not qualified to say whether it will all be a storm in a teacup in the end. But Mike Johnson presiding this pivotal moment during a global crisis will long be remembered with great trepidation. He lacks the real intellectual capacity proven by his ideological backing of Trump. His smooth youthful appeal definitely strikes fear into the hearts of seasoned political opponents for sure. At this moment United States cannot take the side of any other but for the victory of Israel and Ukraine. No one at this hour can walk that delicate line except for the old hand Biden. As Palestinians clamor to be spared and global extremism threatened to spill over. Like Mike Johnson, Dean Phillips has the problem of young and pretty face but not much else for now. In spite of Putin’s great dirty scheme with North Korea, Iran and Chinese explosives and drones, Russia is in a perilous state of inching closer to its demise. Mike Johnson via Trumpism will mightily try to reverse that for sure. But he will first have to get pass old Joe Biden, which is not going to happen. Election 2024 will be worth the fight so long as Joe Biden is breathing and speaking. We like what we see in his heart and his head. Dean Phillips if he survives this moment who knows. It will be for the next generation to decide whether this country has done right by them when they look back at this hour.
MayNg.. you never disappoint
BRAVA ..BIDEN has done such outstanding work as President
And we NEED MORE OF THIS
WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE
BIDEN and VOTE BLUE 2024
Straight blue ticket, Marsha ✅
Love your comments. One would think that with what we went through with him before and his blatant admission of what he will do that President Biden would be way ahead.
Well said, May. This is one of the best comments I've read in a long time. Thanks.
May, I concur 100%...articulate and succinct!
Those polls are garbage.
? Really ?
I wonder if the Führer projected his ultimate plans so plainly.
And yet you persist - in challenging the one person who stands between what you describe! He WILL win over trump but only if we are ALL behind him.
I firmly believe the only thing that will save the country is the obituary of the wannabe dictator. Since MAGA is a cult of personality, the disappearance of the leader takes the power out of the cult. Although a new religion was built by the apostles of a messiah, I don't think MAGA apostles have what it takes to deify DT.
I think the acolytes have regrouped and are only giving lip service to their Messiah. They won’t need him after he gets one more term in office